Converting to 134a ?s

[SBpunk]

So I'm breaking down and converting my system finally. Ebay special has the compressor, valve, drier, oil and condenser for under 200 bucks. Probably not the greatest set up but all my funds have been going into my coolant system repairs. Any special tools needed to remove any of the lines? Seems like just a couple wrenches should take care of it but figured I'd ask since its summertime and some of you have probably messed with them recently. My condenser is pretty rough looking. Lines seem to be holding out but don't look great. Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be an off the shelf replacement for one of the lines (can't remember which)

[Minuit]

I think on a 92 the lines still just use regular hex flare nuts. I know my 91 does. Is that compressor in the kit new? New Sanden compressors are fairly easy to find. I know for my 91 there's a kit on Rockauto with the (new) compressor, expansion valve, drier, and an O-ring kit for about 200 bucks. If you're converting to 134a the oil needs to be flushed out as I'm sure you know. When you replace the parts you'll get a good part of it out but it's still a good idea to flush the system to get all of the old mineral oil out. R-134a does not mix with the mineral oil that was used with R-12.

 

If you're converting to 134a it'll cool better with a parallel flow condenser (looks like a radiator instead of a single serpentine tube). There's an aftermarket parallel flow condenser out there for not too much money. APDI Pro or something like that. If I were you I'd probably spring for as many new hoses as you could get, since the new hoses should be made from barrier hose that will do a better job of keeping the R-134a in.

 

Or... you could go with R-152a aka difluoroethane computer duster and reportedly cool almost as well as R-12. I want to try it eventually but I just haven't had the chance yet. All of the above still applies. If using R-152a charge with 56% of the original R-12 charge weight.

 

Late edit: Real Sanden compressors for the 91-93 systems are NOT easy to find. The "official" compressor from Sanden is aftermarket. The Sanden 4727 compressor for the 94-96 model years is still available, but who knows for how long.

[SBpunk]

Here's the link http://www.ebay.com/itm/162554897726

[Minuit]

That's an old style serpentine condenser. Dunno about the quality of the compressor but it says "made in China" for what it's worth.

[SBpunk]

Yeah I didn't think it was the highest quality but if it bolts in and works for 5 months out of the year I'll be happy.

[Green Mesa XJ]

Looks like a cheap kit, doesn't mean it won't work for years.

 

If you old compressor were still working you can convert it, I've worked converting on dozens of cars in the late 90s. If your lines are ok this kit should work. If you've got a leak in the lines or evaporator you'd need to replace it first.

 

 

BTW There's a $20 off $100 coupon for eBay just being released this afternoon, eBay coupon for the 4th holiday , not sure if automotive parts are exempted or not.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[zomeizter]

I acquired a similar kit for my 86er a couple years ago and it is still going strong, I highly recommend you flush everything very well before the new stuff gets put in, cheers...